Why are my arms and feet tingling? Help.

[Mmj1030]

I tried to get off synthroid about 2 months ago because of the side effect. My dr was monitoring me, my level was 2.6 on 25mg.
I was off meds for a month and my level went to 3.75. My hands started to tingle and then arms went numb from elbow down.
I got back on a different thyroid med a month ago because I thought this was the cause. My level is now 1.9, but my arms, feet and hands are still tingling. My arms are the worst of it. I am terrified because I can hardly work being in my profession I use my arms all day. Two drs think I have MS. I see a neurologist in 2 weeks. I'm really scared. Drs really don't seem to know how to help.

[gimel]

Please double check the dosage of tirosint.  I expect it is 13 micrograms, not milligrams.  There is a big difference.

What was the basis for you being diagnosed as hypothyroid and started on thyroid med at the beginning?  Was it based on a high TSH level?  If so , were you also tested for the antibodies of Hashimoto's?  If neither was it based on symptoms?  If so, what symptoms were you having at that time?

I have lots more info for you, but let's start with that.  

[Mmj1030]

Thank you. The dr in mentor is not in my network, but neither is the one at Cleveland Clinic.
Anyone have a good dr in mercy health HMO?
I will double check with my insurance, but he didn't have that HMO listed. Do I need a referral?
I hate to waste my time and $ at the clinic if the dr won't take the right steps.
I started getting migraines when I got on synthyroid. Any insight on this?
Not one dr explained what you just did. Thank you.

[Mmj1030]

My arms are starting to ache. It's frustrating. I am a hairstylist and dog trainer and I am having difficulty doing either.
Scared.

[gimel]

Please check your messages.

[gimel]

So much to discuss here.  You really don't know the reason for your symptoms.  As I understand it your doctor decided to put you on a small dose of Synthroid, without testing for the presence of Hashi's antibodies.  Those tests are Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies (TPO ab) and Thyroglobulin antibodies (TG ab).  You should have also been tested for the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T4 and Free T3, so make sure you are always tested for both.  Free T3 is the hormone used by all the cells of the body to produce needed energy.  

Serum thyroid levels are the sum of both natural thyroid hormone and thyroid med; however, when starting on thyroid med, the TSH goes down, and less thyroid hormone production is stimulated.  The net result is usually little or no change in serum levels.  Only when TSH is suppressed enough to no longer stimulate natural thyroid hormone production, will serum thyroid levels reflect further increases in thyroid medication.  

So starting you on 25 mcg and then reducing dosage to 13 mcg of Tirosint did nothing for you.  To relieve hypothyroid symptoms, Free T4 usually needs to be at least mid-range, and Free T3 in the upper third of its range, or as needed to relieve symptoms.  You weren't even tested for those, much less medicated enough to relieve symptoms.  

So you need a good thyroid doctor that will treat you clinically by testing and adjusting Free T4 and Free T3 as needed to relieve symptoms, without being influenced by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.  I am sending you a PM with some info on a doctor in your area that has been recommended by other thyroid patients.  You can't just assume that an Endo will be a good thyroid doctor.  Also, I am concerned that a doctor in a facility like Cleveland Clinic will follow the usual standard of care, which is not the clinical treatment you need, as described above..  

Also, Vitamin D should be at least 50 ng/mL, B12 should be in the upper end of its range, and ferritin should be at least 100.  

Of course other issues have not been ruled out at this point, but it seems most logical to me to take care of known issues first and evaluate the effect, before speculating about other issues.  

[Mmj1030]

Sorry - I typed a long paragraph, but it keeps giving me error messages. Not sure what I did wrong.

[Mmj1030]

I was always tired. I was doing IVF and my level was over 4. That's why I got on medication. I got off to see if I really needed it.

[Mmj1030]

I guess these answers have to be short? I was doing IVF and my level was over 4

[Mmj1030]

It is 13 msg! I have not been tested for hashi

[Mmj1030]

Getting error messages

[Mmj1030]

Test

[Mmj1030]

Test

[Mmj1030]

I tried to leave an answer but it disappeared. Ok here goes again.
I'm on 13 mg of tirosint my level is 1.9.
I am not sure why my primary didn't test for B12. It would explain the weird eye thing I have going on as well as the arm and leg tingle. I did get on a B12 1000 mg supplement this week.
I have not had a free t3 or t4 test either.
I am frustrated with the drs to say the least.
I have an appt with a neurologist aug 1st. I have a appt with an endocrinologist aug 15th, both at Cleveland Clinic.
I am pushing for a Lyme test and B12 shot.
B12 and MS seem so similar. I went to a chiropractor yesterday and she said it's a pinched never. I do have major neck issues.
Wish I had a clue- wish the drs had one too. I am just scared of more never damage while I wait.

[gimel]

I don't know how the doctors are suggesting MS, when you are known to be hypothyroid and very likely are under medicated.   Have you been tested for Free T4 and Free T3, which are the biologically active thyroid hormones?  If so, please post results and reference ranges shown on the lab report.  Also, please tell us about any other symptoms you have.  If not tested for Vitamin D, ferritin, and especially  B12 since you have the tingling, then that needs to be done.  Hypo patients are frequently deficient in all 3 and need to supplement to optimize.  Last for now, what thyroid med are you taking now and what is the daily dose?